Then I was able to cut away the surrounding net ground, leaving just the motif on the fabric.

Can I just tell you? I loved this technique!

It does take a bit of time to couch the lace down thoroughly...but it's worth the effort.

I especially liked how it overlapped the velvet. It's hard to find applications that work well over velvet because of the nap...but the applique of chantilly lace is a total winner in my book. It's not as easy to see in this photo...but it looks sumptuous in person. Let me know if you give it a try...

I was also wondering the size of your block; it looks like you've placed quarters by the lace, so the flowers are fairly big? I seem to recall a sketch you did for this; didn't it have a person? Anyhow, can't wait to see your next step, Susan! It looks great so far.

You make it look easy but I know it is not! Today I tried to free-stitch with my sewing machine and it was a disaster. I was trying to stitch a portrait that way and I was so disappointed not to be able to make it work. If only you lived close by.....

Wonderful, thanks for the tutorial on how this is done It looks fabulous. I know that you had this block planned out sometime ago but I love the way you a prepared to take a new idea and let the block evolve.